BSc (Hons) Computer Systems and Networks

BSc (Hons) Computer Systems and Networks

About the course

Do you want to learn how to create and maintain in-house computer systems? This practical degree programme, accredited by the British Computer Society, will help you to develop an in-depth understanding of the major components and principles underpinning computer network technologies.

Students studying computer systems and networks at Solent have the opportunity to use industry standard facilities throughout their studies. Our EC Council certified security and networking labs feature a wide variety of equipment from Cisco (including Cisco Packet Tracer), Fluke and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems like the market-leading Opnet. Students also have free access to our devices lab, where they can test their projects on a variety of different computing devices.

Students are able to select optional units in the third year of study. These units include communication signal processing and network management. Selecting optional units allows computing students to tailor their degree to an area they would like to progress into after graduation.

Employability is deeply embedded in this course, and students have the opportunity to study for the Cisco and Microsoft certification schemes alongside their regular studies. Employability skills are also taught throughout the programme, and students are supported to develop a range of transferable skills that include project management, problem solving and analytics.

The curriculum covers the principal requirements for popular commercial network certification schemes including Cisco and Microsoft. Students are encouraged to study these certification schemes alongside their degree.

What does this course lead to?

Recent course graduates have gone on to roles in network infrastructure and system support companies, education and training for companies including Medilogic UK, Ordnance Survey, Toolkit Websites, moneyexpert.com, VeriFone, TalkTalk, Rackspace, Vodafone and Peer 1 Hosting.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for those with a keen interest in computing who wish to pursue a career in computer network technologies.

The course covers areas such as network applications and computer architecture, suitable for roles including network or systems engineer, network designer or product support engineer.

Facts and figures

UCAS codes

Full Time

3 Years Standard Entry H603

4 Years Computing Foundation Year HI62

Fees and costs

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for the 2018/19 academic year are:UK, EU and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per yearInternational full-time fees: £12,500 per year

Bursaries and scholarships

Southampton Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.

Graduation costs

Graduation is the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of your studies. For graduates in 2017, there is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £42 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost.

Key entry requirements

96 UCAS tariff points from A-levels or equivalent

A-levels at grade D or above, a BTEC Extended Diploma at MMM or BTEC Diploma at DD or equivalent.

A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma will be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds. Applicants who are not in possession of the minimum entry requirements but are able to demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation will be considered on an individual basis and may be admitted subject to satisfactory interview and/or portfolio. Please contact us for further details.

English language requirements

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:

IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component

TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 19 in each individual component

or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

Note to all international students requiring a visa:

All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Southampton Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Southampton Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.

Key facts and indicators

Accredited by

Starting salary

£20,000

Average salary six months after the course.

The team

The experienced course team are Cisco qualified and have a strong network of industry contacts. They draw on their time in the industry to inform their teaching, which helps to keep the course content in line with the latest changes in this fast moving industry.

Transferable skills

The 'Introduction to Professional Practice' and 'Graduate Development' units focus specifically on building transferable skills.
Throughout the course your group work and placements will foster strong teamwork, project management and communication skills. Solving practical computing problems and completing your final project will develop your analytical, evaluation and problem-solving abilities....
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Transferable skills

The 'Introduction to Professional Practice' and 'Graduate Development' units focus specifically on building transferable skills.

Throughout the course your group work and placements will foster strong teamwork, project management and communication skills. Solving practical computing problems and completing your final project will develop your analytical, evaluation and problem-solving abilities.

Assessment

You will be assessed with a mixture of group and individual coursework, theoretical and practical assignments, project work and some formal examinations.

Practical vs theory

Much of your time in the first year is spent working in small groups in our dedicated workspaces. Wherever possible, classes involve practical activities designed to bring the core subject matter to life and link theory to practice.
The second year continues with a mixture of sessions covering new techniques and...
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Practical vs theory

Much of your time in the first year is spent working in small groups in our dedicated workspaces. Wherever possible, classes involve practical activities designed to bring the core subject matter to life and link theory to practice.

The second year continues with a mixture of sessions covering new techniques and extending basic knowledge from year one.

Year three continues to develop your skills and advance your technical knowledge with a major project unit. The project gives you the opportunity to concentrate on a particular area of interest, producing a significant piece of work that will showcase your abilities to prospective employers.

Study abroad

Students may be eligible to spend a period of time studying or working in the EU through the Erasmus Mobility programme, depending on certain eligibility criteria.
For more information, see www.solent.ac.uk/exchange
Exchange students from our overseas partners have the opportunity to continue their studies at Solent through the Erasmus programme, and are integrated...
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Study abroad

Students may be eligible to spend a period of time studying or working in the EU through the Erasmus Mobility programme, depending on certain eligibility criteria.

Exchange students from our overseas partners have the opportunity to continue their studies at Solent through the Erasmus programme, and are integrated into our year two teaching groups.

The industry

The UK’s IT industry is worth £58 billion annually. With the internet and computer networking playing such an enormous role in modern business, this course’s focus on computer systems and their associated network infrastructures supplies students with a range of in-demand skills. With employment of IT professionals expected to grow...
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The industry

The UK’s IT industry is worth £58 billion annually. With the internet and computer networking playing such an enormous role in modern business, this course’s focus on computer systems and their associated network infrastructures supplies students with a range of in-demand skills. With employment of IT professionals expected to grow nearly twice as fast as the UK average between now and 2020 (e-skills UK), it looks like demand for well-qualified information technology graduates is set to remain strong.

Student support and services

Student welfare - Southampton Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and...
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Student support and services

Student welfare - Southampton Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and general student advice. Find out more about our approach to student welfare.

University facilities - You will have access to a modern, comfortable and efficient study environment, including the Mountbatten library and learning resource centres. Solent offers a wide variety of sports halls, gyms and sports equipment, plus superb IT, media, and cutting-edge specialist facilities. Find out more about our first-class facilities here.

Living in Southampton - Southampton is a modern, vibrant student city brimming with arts and culture, top high street brands, green spaces and a buzzing nightlife. Studying at Solent means that you’ll be at the very heart of it. Find out more about being a student in Southampton.

Solent Students’ Union - Run by students for students, Solent Students’ Union is on hand to offer independent advice and support while you’re at university. Visit the Students’ Union website for more information.

85%

of students are satisfied with this course

Study location

East Park Terrace

Got a question about this course?

How to apply

Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.

Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.

Your application should reach UCAS by January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.

Meet the course team

The university cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Dedicated electronics and specialist networking labs provide opportunities to work with a wide variety of real-world networking equipment from Cisco, Fluke and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems including the market-leading Opnet.

You’ll also have access to our devices lab. This is a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces. It consists of a range of mobile devices mounted on flexible tethers, giving you the chance to test your websites and apps on real equipment.

Computer systems and networks are taught by Cisco-qualified academics with a range of industry experience. Solent’s well-equipped Cisco networking laboratories include regularly updated systems and hardware.

90%

of students go on to work and/or study six months after finishing the course

75%

of those students are in a professional or managerial job

Solent University proved to have the perfect balance between education, fun and support. Lecturers are competent, experienced and believe in you. I am proud of my achievements and know I will be successful in the field I love, thanks to the computer systems and networks course.

Lucyna Wajdzik

Industry links

Industry speakers contribute to live briefs and visit on a regular basis, giving you valuable insight into the sector. This has included Peer 1, Transactor and Clevertouch, as well as the British Computer Society (BCS).

Members of the course team hold extensive industry experience and maintain a strong professional network. This enables them to offer students support as they look for work experience placements and graduate employment.

Placements

The work placement variant of the course provides students with a chance to gain valuable real-world experience, often in a paid role. Placement students will have extensive support in finding a suitable position between years two and three, as well as guidance on carrying out their placement.

We also encourage and support students to gain industrial experience during vacations, or to develop their final-year project in conjunction with industry.